FDA warns women not to risk ovarian cancer screenings

Here’s something a little unusual: The FDA advises women not to get routinely tested for ovarian cancer. According to Berkeley Wellness, “[i]n a safety communication, the agency warned women about the risks of ovarian cancer screening tests, citing the fact that none are sensitive enough to reliably screen for ovarian cancer without a high number of inaccurate results.” This reaffirms a recommendation issued in 2012 because “the potential harms outweigh the benefits.”

Right now, there is no safe and reliable test for ovarian cancer. “Symptoms that could indicate ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, and frequent or urgent urination that persist for more than two weeks,” Berkeley Wellness notes. “Women with such symptoms should see their doctor promptly.”

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